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Clean energy systems

Introduction

Electric power systems are in a state of change. In response to climate concerns, many policymakers are reevaluating their countries’ use of fossil fuels, while promoting a more renewable energy mix.

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As wind and solar penetration increases in response to new incentive programmes and falling prices, the role of hydropower is also evolving.

From its traditional role of providing base load power or twice-daily peaking, in many markets hydropower is increasingly called on to provide balancing services multiple times a day to help smooth the impacts of variable output of wind and solar.

This could have a profound impact on where and how hydropower is developed in the future.

Our work on renewables integration

IHA is a founding member of the International Renewable Energy Alliance (REN-Alliance) which brings together the renewables family including solar, wind, geothermal, biomass and hydropower representatives to explore the role of renewables working together at the system level.

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Together, the REN Alliance has compiled case studies demonstrating not only the viability of renewable energy systems, but presenting actual cases where 100 per cent renewable systems are in use today.

We also serve on the steering committee for the Renewables Network for the 21st Century (REN21), a leading body promoting the facts of renewable energy’s progress around the world.

We have close ties with the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), where IHA works to ensure a strong voice for hydropower in the renewables community.

Hydropower continues to be a catalyst for growth around the world as it remains the dominant form of renewable energy, having contributed over 16 per cent of the globe’s electricity production in 2016.

The 2017 World Hydropower Congress closed on Thursday 11 May with strong commitments from multiple stakeholders towards delivering better hydro. Here are some of the most notable moments from the final day.